bothered about + topic
Expressing concern or worry
About introduces the subject causing concern.
Parents are often bothered about safety.
Bothered about vs. bothered by
Bothered about usually refers to concern or worry. Bothered by usually refers to annoyance or the thing causing discomfort.
Quick answer
What is the difference between bothered about and bothered by?
Use bothered about for topics that worry or concern someone. Use bothered by for things or people that annoy, interrupt, or affect someone.
She's bothered about the exam.
I'm bothered by the noise.
He seemed bothered about money.
They were bothered by mosquitoes.
I'm bothered by the noise.
He seemed bothered about money.
They were bothered by mosquitoes.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
bothered by + thing
Expressing annoyance or disturbance
By introduces the source of irritation or discomfort.
She was bothered by loud music.
bothered by + person
Describing unwanted attention or behaviour
By can also introduce a person causing trouble or annoyance.
He felt bothered by strangers.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
bothered about
She's bothered about her grades.
Concerned or worried about something.
bothered by
I'm bothered by the smell.
Annoyed, disturbed, or affected by something.
bothered with
He is bothered with constant emails.
Less common; suggests being troubled by ongoing problems.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using about for physical irritation
By is more natural for noise, smells, or interruptions.
✕ I was bothered about the loud music. ✓ I was bothered by the loud music.Using by for worry or concern
About is preferred for topics that cause concern.
✕ She is bothered by her finances. ✓ She is bothered about her finances.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. He is bothered ___ rising prices.
2. We were bothered ___ the construction noise.
3. She felt bothered ___ rude comments online.
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Frequently asked questions
Is bothered about formal English?
Yes. It is common in both spoken and written English when expressing concern.
When should I use bothered by?
Use bothered by for annoyance, discomfort, or disturbance caused by someone or something.
Can bothered by mean worried?
Sometimes, but bothered about is clearer when you mean concern or worry.
Related preposition guides
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